United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Veteran and Survivors Pension Adjustment Act - Title I: Extension of Certain Interim Adjustments of Pension and of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rates until January 1, 1977 - Makes permanent the prior temporary increases in veterans' pensions, pensions of surviving spouses of veterans, the aid and attendance allowance, the annual income limitations for veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation. Title II: Veterans' and Survivors' Pensions - States that a person shall be considered totally and permanently disabled for purposes of veterans benefits if he becomes unemployable after age 65. Increases the amount of pensions for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. Provides that when a veteran with a non-service-connected disability, who is ineligible for a pension solely for the reason that his annual income exceeds the maximum income limitation, is in need of aid and attendance he shall be entitled to an allowance not to exceed specified amounts. Increases the amount of non-service-connected disability pensions by 25 percent when the veteran reaches the age of 80. Changes the amounts by which the pensions of widows and children are reduced in relation to the survivor's income. Title III: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Increases the maximum income limitations for dependency and indemnity compensation for parents of veterans. Title IV: Miscellaneous and Effective Date Provisions - Authorizes the head of any Federal agency or department to provide such information to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as he needs to determine the eligibility of individuals for veterans' benefits. States that titles II and III of this Act shall take effect January 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases generally specified dollar amounts paid to eligible disabled veterans by the Veterans' Administration. Makes an additional payment available to veterans having a wife or child who is helpless or blind, or so nearly helpless or blind as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases generally specified dependency and indemnity compensation amounts paid to widows of eligible veterans and to children of deceased veterans not leaving a widow. Title III: Miscellaneous - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to conduct a scientific study to determine if there is a causal relationship between the amputation of an extremity and the subsequent development of cardiovascular disorders. Title IV: Effective Date - Makes the provisions of this Act effective on October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States reaffirms a sympathetic interest in Italian democracy and democratic institutions. States that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Makes individuals meeting specified criteria eligible for the award of reasonable attorney fees, expert witness expenses, and other costs reasonably incurred in connection with participation in any rulemaking, licensing, adjudicatory, or other proceeding conducted by a Federal agency. Directs individuals entitled to such an award to file an itemized bill with the clerk of the United States district court for the district where the proceeding was held within 30 days after final disposition of the matter involved in the proceeding. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make payment of fees, expenses, and other costs under such awards, seeking reimbursement from the appropriate Federal agency. Makes prevailing plaintiffs in proceedings to review Federal agency actions eligible for the award by the court of reasonable attorney fees, expert witness expenses, and other costs reasonably incurred in such proceedings. Permits the court to reduce or deny an award on account of any direct monetary benefit secured by or the resources available to the person seeking review. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit to Congress an annual report on awards made under this Act. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 559, 707)
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior, and in tribute to his accomplishments as a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Increases from $21,000 to $29,000 the limitation with respect to direct loans to veterans for purchase of a home in a rural area or small town or city where adequate credit is otherwise unavailable. Continues the direct loan revolving fund which provides such loans. Increases from 30 to 50 percent the amount which the Veterans' Administration may guarantee of a loan to a veteran for the purchase of a mobil home.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Provides that an elderly person residing in a dwelling unit receiving Federal assistance shall be entitled to terminate, without penalty, the lease or rental agreement if such person or his or her spouse dies, or incurs severe mental or physical disability during the period of such lease as long as proper notice is given to the management. Provides remedies for noncompliance with this Act which includes termination or reduction of financial assistance to the recipient of funds from a Federal housing program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President call a White House Conference on Marriage and the Family in order to establish a national understanding of the role played by marriage and the family in the development of a viable society.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for "Solidarity Sunday" which includes efforts to remove all obstacles to the free emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to emphasize crime prevention as a major purpose of Title I of such Act. Requires that States applying for Federal crime prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice grants under such Act include in their required comprehensive plans a program for the prevention of crime against the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Establishes an 11 member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment: (1) on farms; (2) in zoos; (3) in laboratory experimentation; and (4) in other situations. Excludes the study or treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the President within two years after its last member is appointed. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriaions of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the Government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiparaplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Export Policy. Directs the Committee to conduct a full and complete study of: (1) the threat of nuclear proliferation; (2) the present policies of the United States concerning nuclear proliferation; (3) the decisionmaking process within the executive branch on nuclear export policies; and (4) any related areas which the committee deems necessary to investigate and study to discharge its responsibilities. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Expresses the objection of Congress to the proposed sale to Egypt of six C-130 aircraft as described in the statement submitted by the President to the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate on March 25, 1976 (transmittal number 76-47).
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Designates April 15 of each year as "Holocaust Remembrance Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation each year calling for the observance of such day with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Veterans' Administration Medical Facilities Acquisition Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellance of architecture and design. Authorizes the Administrator to construct and alter, and to acquire sites for, medical facilities. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $500,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $200,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. States that the Administrator may not enter into any construction, acquisition, or alteration involving a total expenditure of $500,000 or less before the expiration of 60 days after the date on which he submits a report of the facts concerning such proposed expenditure to such committees. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facilities pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to make contributions to local authorities for the construction of traffic controls, and road improvements necessitated by medical facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to construct and operate, on reservations of medical facilities, garages and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 125,000 hospital beds in medical facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction for the care and treatment of eligible veterans who are tuberculous, neuropsychiatric, medical, and surgical cases. Requires the Administrator to maintain the bed and treatment capacities of all Veterans' Administration medical facilities so as to insure the accessibility and availability of such beds and treatment capacities to eligible veterans and to minimize delays in admissions and in the provision of such care and of services. Directs the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 8,000 beds in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, and in each fiscal year thereafter, for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct and exclusive jurisdiction. Authorizes the Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of the Navy to enter into agreements and contracts for the mutual use or exchange of use of hospitals and domiciliary facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Redefines "firearm" under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and "any other weapon" under the National Firearms Act to include electric weapons for purposes of regulation of the sale, manufacture, importation, transportation and taxation of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the allowable dollar amount of the tax deduction taken for a charitable contribution which is of a musical, artistic, or similar nature shall be the fair market value of such property at the time of contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Suspends United States participation in the activities of the United Nations General Assembly pending Congressional approval of renewal of such participation. Directs the President to reduce the payments made by the United States to the United Nations by the amount he determines would be used to support activities of the General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Redefines "firearm" under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and "any other weapon" under the National Firearms Act to include electric weapons for purposes of regulation of the sale, manufacture, importation, transportation and taxation of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to implement a pilot program to make scholarship grants to individuals attending medical schools on the condition that such individuals will serve in a Veterans' Administration facility for a period of time upon completion of professional training. Limits the amount of any scholarship grant to an individual for an academic year to $5,000. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program of $2,500,000; $3,000,000; and $3,500,000 in fiscal years 1976-1978, respectively. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to maintain the inpatient hospital deductible under the medicare program at the level which was applicable during calendar year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Redefines "firearm" under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and "any other weapon" under the National Firearms Act to include electric weapons for purposes of regulation of the sale, manufacture, importation, transportation and taxation of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Provides that Members of the House of Representatives may hire for not more than six months in any fiscal year one Vietnam veteran as a Vietnam veteran congressional intern. Makes available $3,000 a year to each Member to be paid to such intern at a rate not to exceed $500 a month.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Nuclear Energy Reappraisal Act - Terminates the granting of construction licenses of nuclear fission powerplants in the United States pending action by the Congress following a comprehensive five-year study of the nuclear fuel cycle with particular reference to its safety and environmental hazards, to be conducted by the Office of Technological Assessment. Empowers the Office to compel delivery of any information in the possession of the National Laboratories which the Office deems necessary for conducting its study. Specifies that all Government agencies shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to submit, within five years, a report to Congress and the public concerning safety and environmental hazards of nuclear fission powerplants and the nuclear fuel cycle. Requires the report to include recommendations as to whether a resumption of the licensing of nuclear fission power plants should be allowed, and if so, the conditions under which licenses should be granted. Authorizes appropriations for the study of $15,000,000 for each of the five fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Divides the present eastern judicial district of New York into two divisions. Authorizes the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to set the location of the court for the Long Island Division of the district severed under this Act. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 112(c))
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any business enterprise or person acting on behalf or in the interest of a business enterprise to coerce, or attempt to coerce, by economic means another person, to fail to do business with, or to otherwise discriminate against any U.S. person, or any foreign person with respect to its activities in the United States, by reason of: (1) the religion, race, national origin, or sex of such U.S. or foreign person; or (2) direct or indirect support for any foreign government when such support is not in violation of U.S. laws. Prescribes a penalty of a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for not more than three years, or for violation of such provision. Prescribes a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 if the violator is any person other than an individual. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the prohibition against economic coercion to bring a suit in an appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy. States that such person may recover threefold actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Permits the Attorney General to institute an action in an appropriate district court to collect a civil penalty against any person who practices prohibited economic coercion. States that the penalty shall not exceed $50,000 if imposed upon an individual, or not more than $500,000 if imposed upon any person other than an individual. Makes it unlawful for a person to violate this Act by exercising coercion through a foreign government or a business enterprise not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. States that whoever violates such provision shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50,000 if an individual, or not to exceed $500,000 if any person other than an individual. Defines terms used in this Act, including "persons", and states that such term shall include a corporation, trust, company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock company, fund, or any organized group of persons whether incorporated or not.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Authorizes a deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, to individuals with permanently handicapped children for amounts contributed to a trust fund which is to be used for the care and support of such child. Limits such deduction to the lesser of 10 percent of the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer, or $5000 in the case of a joint return. Specifies the type of trust which may meet the conditions of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the suspension of United States participation in the activities of the United Nations General Assembly until the Congress, by concurrent resolution, approves renewal of such participation. Directs the President to reduce United States payments in support of the United Nations by the amount he determines would be used to support the General Assembly.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wolff, Lester L. [D-NY-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000680_200.jpg)